Winning International Group, a leading maritime company based in Singapore, has placed an order for six 325,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) ore carriers from China’s Hengli Heavy Industry. This strategic move aims to further expand its large-size ore carrier fleet, reinforcing its position in the global maritime industry.
The new methanol-ready WinningMax ore carriers, initially designed in collaboration with CSSC Shanghai Ship Design & Research Institute, are notable for their impressive dimensions, measuring 329.99 meters in length and 60 meters in width. These vessels are set to meet the stringent requirements of Phase III of the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), reflecting a significant advancement in sustainable maritime technology.
Compared to traditional Baltic capesize vessels, the WinningMax carriers are expected to reduce energy consumption by nearly 50% per nautical mile per deadweight. This substantial improvement in energy efficiency is coupled with their future-ready design for green operations. Each vessel will be equipped with 12,000 cubic meters of methanol fuel storage tanks, enabling zero-carbon voyages using green methanol.
Sun Xiushun, chairman of Winning International Group, emphasized the importance of this development. “Signing of the newbuild contract marks the start of collaboration between Hengli and Winning. We will establish long-term cooperation with Hengli to build more large-size green vessels,” he stated. This partnership aims to set a new standard in the industry by focusing on sustainability and efficiency.
The order for six new vessels builds on Winning Group’s previous acquisition of two 325,000dwt ore carriers from CSSC Beihai Shipbuilding in 2023. Headquartered in Singapore, Winning International Group boasts one of the largest bulk carrier fleets in the country. It is recognized as the world’s leading bauxite ocean carrier, primarily involved in bauxite development in Guinea, with an annual mining capacity exceeding 50 million tonnes.
The design of the WinningMax ore carrier represents a significant leap forward in maritime engineering. The incorporation of large methanol fuel storage tanks is particularly noteworthy. Methanol, a cleaner alternative to conventional marine fuels, can be produced from renewable sources, thus reducing the carbon footprint of ocean voyages. The ability to store and utilize methanol positions the WinningMax carriers as frontrunners in the shift towards sustainable maritime operations.
The focus on green methanol aligns with global efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry. As international regulations become stricter and the demand for sustainable solutions grows, the WinningMax design offers a viable pathway to achieving these goals. The reduction in energy consumption and the readiness for green methanol use highlight the vessel’s advanced engineering and forward-thinking design.
Winning International Group’s strategy aligns with international maritime policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set ambitious targets for the shipping industry, aiming to reduce carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels. Vessels like the WinningMax are crucial to achieving these targets, demonstrating that it is possible to combine operational efficiency with environmental sustainability.
The collaboration between Winning Group and Hengli Heavy Industry represents a broader trend in the maritime industry towards sustainability. By investing in advanced, energy-efficient vessels, companies like Winning Group are setting a benchmark for others in the industry. This initiative is expected to enhance the capabilities and competitiveness of the global shipping fleet.
Winning International Group’s commitment to green shipping is evident not only in its fleet expansion but also in its operational strategies. The company’s focus on methanol as a marine fuel showcases its dedication to innovative and sustainable practices. Methanol’s potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions makes it a promising alternative to traditional fuels, and Winning Group’s adoption of this technology positions it as a leader in the industry.
The new order from Hengli Heavy Industry marks a significant milestone in Winning Group’s journey towards greener maritime operations. These vessels are not just designed for efficiency but also for future sustainability, setting a new standard for the industry. The partnership between Winning Group and Hengli is expected to yield further advancements in the design and construction of large-size green vessels, enhancing the environmental credentials of the global shipping fleet.
